Load-Sensing Remote Control for Switched Receptacle Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems, such as lighting control systems, face issues where wireless communication is disrupted when power is removed from switched receptacles, rendering dimmer switches unresponsive to commands from occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, and remote controls.
Innovation Solution
A load control system that includes a load-sensing remote control device configured to sense operational characteristics of a second electrical load and transmit messages via wireless communication, allowing the load control device to adjust power delivery to the first electrical load, ensuring continuous control even when power is removed from switched receptacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dimmer switch is plugged into the switched receptacle to enable wall switch control, then the ability to switch power using the wall-mounted switch is improved, but the wireless communication component becomes unpowered and unable to receive commands when power is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control functionality into two independent pathways: (1) wireless communication pathway that remains powered through the unswitched receptacle to maintain receiver operation, and (2) power switching pathway that operates through the switched receptacle for wall switch control. This segmentation allows both functions to operate independently without interfering with each other's power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the load control device acts as a mediator between the two power pathways. It receives wireless commands through its continuously powered receiver and executes power switching operations through its connection to the switched receptacle, thereby coordinating between the always-powered communication path and the switch-controlled power path.
2Reliability
If the dimmer switch is plugged into the unswitched receptacle to ensure continuous power for wireless communication, then the wireless communication component remains powered and responsive, but the ability to switch power using the wall-mounted switch is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the receptacle connections into two distinct functional channels: the unswitched receptacle provides continuous power exclusively for the wireless communication component, while the switched receptacle provides wall switch control for power delivery. This segmentation ensures that each function has its own dedicated power pathway without conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The load control device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a wireless receiver for remote control commands, a power switch for wall switch operation, and a coordinator between these two systems. Its multi-functionality allows it to maintain wireless responsiveness while also enabling wall switch control through its dual connection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A load control system, such as a lighting control system, may be configured to control a first electrical load in response to a sensed operational characteristic of a second electrical load. The load control system may include a load control device electrically connected to the first electrical load, and a load-sensing remote control device that is configured to sense an operational characteristic of the second electrical load. The load-sensing remote control device may be configured to communicate with the load control device via wireless communication. The load-sensing remote control device may be configured to transmit messages to the load control device in response to sensing a change in the operational characteristic of the second electrical load. The load control device may be configured to, upon receiving messages from the load-sensing remote control device, control an amount of power that is delivered to the first electrical load.